19) The Long Stone of Townsend Street, D2

Permanently Closed. Now completely demolished.

This is an example of not appreciating what we had until it was gone. A vast treasure trove of wood carvings, high ceilings, stained glass and knick-knacks including an actual tree for a banister post whose limbs were interwoven with the stairs. It was located next door to the former MacTurcaill's (also demolished) and the former Screen Cinema (demolished) and was a favourite of students. Got its name from being located near the point where, over 800 years ago, the Vikings erected a standing stone called the ‘Steine’ - a 14 foot high Long Stone marking the former shore of a wider Liffey.

The pub was multi leveled with a huge stone head looming by way of backdrop. This main feature was found standing from floor to ceiling, carved in the shape of the head of a giant bearded Viking-god with mouth agape - inside of which sat a roaring fire. Staff were predominantly female and Chinese, with some harassed Irishmen lending grunts. A vast smoking area could seat dozens and contained a pool table; platters of food were plentiful. Currently shut, as of 2019, after some 264 years of service. Never to reopen, as it has been demolished to make way for property developers. R.I.P. [1] An impressive 360 view of the pub can be seen by clicking here. So long, Stone!

FOOTNOTE

[1] At the end of Townsend Street and facing Trinity College stands a decorative Long Stone, a monument erected in 1986 to commemorate the famous Steine. Perhaps now it can double as a memorial tombstone to the lost Longstone Pub, having supplied Dubliners with the swig since 1755.

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